VanEck has made some of its digital asset exchange products (ETPs) available to 401(k) holders in the United States, indicating that crypto-focused investments will be included in traditional retirement accounts.
On Wednesday, the fund issuer said its digital asset ETP option will be offered through Basic Capital, a fintech platform that offers employer-sponsored 401(k) plans.
The companies did not specify which ETP VanEck digital assets will be available on the platform. Within crypto, VanEck is known for VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL) and VanEck Ethereum Trust (ETHV), Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) exchange-traded funds.
The asset manager also offers the VanEck Digital Transformation ETF (DAPP), often referred to as the “Onchain Economy” ETF, which invests in companies related to the digital asset ecosystem.
VanEck expanded its portfolio of crypto products earlier this year by launching the Avalanche ETF in the United States.
The U.S. Department of Labor in May backed away from a previous federal directive that barred 401(k) plan providers from offering crypto among their investment options.
Founded in 2021, Basic Capital raised $25 million in a Series A funding round last year led by venture capital firms Forerunner and Lux Capital. The company’s 401(k) platform gives investors access to alternative assets outside of traditional stocks and bonds.
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The policy change opens pension plans to alternative assets
The move comes amid increasing regulatory pressure to integrate digital assets into traditional retirement planning.
In August, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to expand access to alternative assets in 401(k) plans, including digital assets.
The directive called on agencies such as the Treasury Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission to coordinate potential rule changes to more broadly support alternative investments in retirement accounts.
The policy change comes as more Americans rely on workplace retirement plans to build long-term savings.
According to the Investment Company Institute, employer defined contribution plans accounted for about $13.9 trillion in September, including about $10 trillion in 401(k) plans.
Separate data from Vanguard’s “How America Will Save 2025” report shows that savings rates are also rising. Nearly half (45%) of participants increased their contribution rates in 2024, reflecting increased use of automatic contribution features in employer plans.
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